Our commitment for a sustainable future
Ethics and aesthetics meet in our desire for nature, beauty, harmony and authenticity. We believe that the land is not an inheritance we receive from our fathers, but a loan we must preserve for our children. For this reason, Palazzo di Varignana has defined a plan of actions intended to improve the sustainable footprint of the Resort and all its related activities. Diversification of energy sources, reduction and efficiency in water consumption, procurement of raw materials from short supply chain, planting of trees and conversion to organic of some crops.
These are just some of the chapters of this integrated plan toward reducing the environmental footprint that is being enriched with new goals and strategies every day.
Nature helps us in finding answers to the complex problems of this age, seeking to mend our relationship with the cycles and times of the seasons, respecting the earth and people.
Environmental and social responsibility, support for the community, for the land, for those most in need: moral commitments that are inscribed in our values, dwell in our intentions and manifest themselves in our everyday choices.
It is our commitment to leave a legacy for the future.
Environment
Since 2015, our agricultural estate Agrivar has expanded to cover 265 hectares of land, introducing olive groves, vineyards, and the cultivation of fruits and vegetables to the hills surrounding Varignana. These products are used in the preparation of dishes served in the resort’s restaurants. In concrete terms, over 10,000 kg (100 quintals) of fruits and vegetables are harvested from our fields each year and offered to our guests.
This year, we achieved organic certification for our Claterna and Cabianca extra virgin olive oils—a significant step forward in making our products healthier and reducing pollution caused by chemical agents.
Following the principles of the circular economy, the products from our land are used to offer a zero-mile culinary experience and to create our Varsana SPA cosmetic line, made with natural raw ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, wine, saffron, and pomegranate.
At the resort, we place great emphasis on renewable energy and minimizing energy waste. The installation of a new 177.2 kW photovoltaic system actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our water reservoirs, which collect surface water and release it as needed, have enabled a 54.27% reduction in water consumption compared to the previous year.
Our vehicle fleet is evolving to become increasingly sustainable: it already includes electric caddies and cars, hybrid vehicles, and a transition plan supported by strategic partnerships with leading local automotive companies.
Environmental protection at Palazzo di Varignana also means a commitment to reducing plastic waste. For example, we provide guests with water in fully recyclable cartons, which help reduce plastic use and make waste disposal easier. The showers in the Varsana SPA changing rooms are equipped with fixed dispensers containing body wash and shampoo for guest use.
During their stay, guests are also provided with an exclusive line of courtesy products made from zero-mile raw materials sourced from local suppliers, helping to reduce emissions from transport and support the local economy.
People
An ambitious project is built on strong governance, investment in people, and the sharing of core values, with the goal of fostering consistent growth that respects individuals. Human resource management is guided by the promotion of equal opportunities, the development of young talent, the monitoring of employee satisfaction, and active engagement in the workplace.
Currently, 146 employees work at Palazzo di Varignana.
Women make up 54% of our workforce, and the gender pay gap is under 1.5%. We actively promote youth employment—employees under the age of 30 currently account for 26% of our team. We also contribute significantly to local employment, with 79% of our staff residing in the province of Bologna.
Our employer branding initiative continues, involving all departments with the aim of strengthening relationships among employees and enhancing the overall work environment.
In 2024, we invested over 10,600 hours in the professional development of our team, marking a 385% increase in training hours compared to 2023.
Community
Preserving the values of our region is a core mission of Palazzo di Varignana, along with caring for and supporting the community we belong to.
Through public relations activities developed over the years, the resort contributes to promoting the Emilia-Romagna region—even internationally—through press outreach and communication initiatives.
A stay at Palazzo di Varignana is more than just a vacation: it is an opportunity to reconnect with the nature, history, and traditions of our land. Guests are invited to live a mindful, immersive experience through seasonal activities such as food and wine events and curated routes for cyclists and joggers, all created within the estate.
At Palazzo di Varignana, we consider art a foundational part of our identity and a powerful vehicle for creating shared cultural value. The resort hosts a growing collection of art and archaeology, designed to offer guests an immersive and enriching experience.
We prioritize collaborations with local suppliers—56% of whom are based in Emilia-Romagna—to support local businesses, reduce emissions from transportation, and help strengthen the regional economy.
Palazzo di Varignana actively collaborates with local institutions and associations through partnerships, cultural and social events, and charitable initiatives, including:
- ANT – Associazione Nazionale Tumori: ongoing support through the donation of experiential vouchers for charity raffles.
- Pink Pony Lottery – Theodora Foundation: contributions to initiatives supporting hospitalized children, including gifts for fundraising campaigns.
- AIDAF – Italian Association of Family Businesses: participation in the association’s charitable campaigns by offering experiences at the resort.
- Re-Use With Love: support for the association’s activities that combine fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy through the donation of vouchers for events and raffles.
- Fondazione Musica Insieme: donations to support the foundation’s cultural programs, which promote classical music and the arts throughout the region.
- Scholarships: grants for high school and university students residing in the Varignana-Palesio area.
